Wredling named grand marshal of St. Patrick’s Parade

ST. CHARLES – John Wredling – a World War II veteran and namesake of Wredling Middle School – will be the grand marshal for the St. Patrick’s Parade next month, the Downtown St. Charles Partnership announced Friday.

The parade is set for 2 p.m. March 15 in downtown St. Charles.

Wredling will turn 100 the next day.

In recent years, grand marshals have included Rosie Martinez, who started the event, and Terry Donahue, who played in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.

Scott Piner, the partnership’s marketing and development manager, said the St. Patrick’s Parade Committee recommended Wredling for the role.

Wredling served as St. Charles School District 303 superintendent from 1958 to 1972. He likely will ride in a vehicle for the parade, Piner said, noting the details are being worked out.

The parade also will feature pipe and drum bands, dance troupes, floats and a variety of business and community entries.

Those interested in participating have until Feb. 14 to submit an application. The entry fee is $250 for businesses, $125 for partnership members and free for nonprofit organizations.

“We think we’re in a good position,” Piner said of the applications received so far, noting people tend to wait until the last minute.